Morning journal and courier., 1887-05-02
HIRAM LonGE NO.1.
Some Remarks From ssSherwOodH on
 the Question of Interest Now Before

Some R emarks From ssSherw0odss on
 the Question of Interest Now Before
 Hiram.
 To theEditor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 The writer does not ask if Hiram lodge No. is s'clandestine lodge," on the contrary he asserts that it is not, and for the reason that it is perpetuated organized body of Free and Accepted Masons "residing at or about New Haven, in the colony of Connecti- cut, in New Englnnd, or that nay hereafter reside there," and to whom was granted charter November 12, 175O, which charter sets forth in the first paragraph that 'tThom- as Oxnard, Esq, of Boston, in New England Provincial Grand Master of North America, sendeth greeting" Then follows the charter articles and covenants, one of which is: ''That they strictly keep and observe, all and every, the rules and regulations con- tained in the private books of constitutions" etc., "and that the master and wardens of said lodge do transmit to us in writing list of the members of said lodge, with the place of their abode, and the stated days and place of 1neeting."
 This charter carries the grand seal and is signed in full, under ''the grand masters command, by the four proper officers, and was registered in the books of their Grand
  original manuscript charter evidences, upon the very charter now held by Hiram lodge.
 Whatever Hiram lodge may have done in later years to accommodate the edicts or whims of what is now known as the Grand lodge of Connecticut Ca very modern organlz- ation), or by paying dues to it, to enable them to pay their grand expenses, Hiram has never failed to live up to their original charter obligations "by strict ly keeping and observing, all and every, the rules and regulations prescribed in the book of constitutions" the book which defines the signs and manner of work, etc.; therefore said charter is and always has been original English charter of Dartmouth college has been preserved and perpetuated by that corporation, the which was fully sustained and affirmed by the Supreme court of the United States over fifty years ago, when the State of New Hampshire understood to boss the college after their legislature had granted the college one of their charters.
 Under an original English charter Hiram lodge set out in 1750 as the first lodge in this State, and having complied with it's charter ever since, those who granted the charter never have, and could not, while they live up to it, take it away; nor can it become extin:t short of it's being surrendered by the organ ization which received it to the power which granted it.
 If, however, Hiram lodge should alter it's signs and mode of work 1t might become a question between the givers and receivers as to whether or not it's charter had been for feited; at all events no person or party other than the givers and receivers can meddle with this question, for it is solely confined to them; and Hiram now, always hereto l fore, rests upon their original charter rights | of 1750, and therefore is not ''clandestine | lodge." As to innovations in signs and l mode and manner of Masonic work, etc., it | is enough for doctors of divinity, law and l medicine to progress and alter their doctrines, ! ways and rules, but as to "Free Masonry" | as that has outlived them all, as to rules, | belief and practice, etc., the danger of | changes in Free Masonry, however trifing, | and by whenever attempted, is but the | opening of it's portals to possible overthrow | in this country SHERWOOD.